tamatoledonews.com DES MOINES (SPECIAL) Harrah’s Council Bluffs announced Wednesday at a news conference in the state’s capital that it is willing to pay $7 million a year in licensing fees to the State of Iowa in lieu of subsidizing greyhound purses.

This licensing-fee proposal is consistent with many other gaming jurisdictions across the country, where companies pay a yearly fee for the privilege of doing business, according to a news release issued by Harrahs.

“Since the inception of the purse supplements in 1995, more than $140 million in gaming revenue has been redistributed to greyhound kennels and owners, with an estimated $59 million actually leaving the state” said Dan Real, assistant general manager and vice president of operations for Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs. “By redirecting these funds from a handful of dog breeders and owners to the State of Iowa, we can ensure that these funds will directly benefit the citizens of our state. The licensing fees could be used to provide needed state services in education, infrastructure and healthcare.”

An independent study recently conducted by Christiansen Capital Advisors outlines how few benefits are actually derived from greyhound racing in Iowa. In fact, the study concludes that the idea that greyhound racing would bring economic benefits to Iowa has failed.